Dear Tammy: What do you think are 5 of the most important business requirements to be successful in the travel industry?
Tammy: What a great and insightful question. Becoming a successful agent doesn't only require a wealth of travel knowledge so that you can make the best travel suggestions for your clients, it also requires you to understand the business side of the travel industry. And that includes a lot more than the usual keeping detailed records, understanding your competition and keeping up with the latest travel news.
In order for you to be a truly a successful agent, you're going to need to place a big focus on certain things that are going to allow you to build up your travel business into exactly what you want it to be. And remember-your overall goal is to differentiate yourself from your competition.
The first and probably most important requirement is branding. Creating an effective branding strategy for your name allows you to create your brand identity. Be sure to keep it unique and short as every successful business brand can be pretty much summed up in a few words or a simple image.
Next is marketing. What's your overall marketing strategy? How exactly are you getting your name out there? If you're at the very beginning of your travel career you might consider looking into your local cable TV options or sending out press releases. Always knowing what's trending also supports great marketing, and right now text programs and direct eblasts are the thing to do.
Advertising, social media. Creating your presence on the web is a must nowadays and that includes creating your own website where you can blog, as well as owning your own social media accounts, like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, etc. Many people who travel nowadays use social media to both post their pictures as well as look for new traveling adventures. In essence, connecting with the online traveling community can bring you many leads.
Speaking of leads. Once you figure out your advertising and social media plan, you're sure to get lots of followers. All you have to do is find a way to make your business appealing and unique to the online community. And did you know following talented travel agents is now a thing? You'll also need a client database so you can continue to market your business after getting the initial leads.
Last and definitely not least-vendor relations. Establishing good vendor relations is essential when it comes to helping your business grow. Don't be afraid to get out there and introduce yourself so you can let people know who you are and what you are all about. I mean, who wouldn't want to work with an aggressive agency? Creative and continuous diversity is key to long-term travel industry success.
Good luck--and now go start getting your leads.
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